A PROFESSIONAL cricketer from Sri Lanka visited a school in the region to offer coaching sessions to pupils.

Mahesh Rajaratne, from Kandy, visited Bedale High School, where he shared his experiences of the game with some of the youngsters.

The 27-year-old, a former Sri Lankan under-19 international, says he is still hopeful of forcing his way into the reckoning for the full national side.

He is the professional player for Ugthorpe Cricket Club, near Whitby, and recently hit back-to-back centuries in the local league.

Mahesh helps out with coaching at other local schools in the area.

It is believed he has taken to North Yorkshire life, particularly the food. He is said to enjoy Yorkshire puddings, kippers and fish and chips.

Phil Tuplin, a PE teacher at Bedale High School, who is leaving this month to become head of boys’ PE at Boroughbridge High School, said: "Mahesh had a wonderful manner with the pupils and they were in awe at his incredible ability as a bowler.

"He was able to impart his knowledge in an easy to understand way and I am sure he will have inspired many of the pupils to take up the game."